Candice Thompson
In Motion
When Dan Buettner set out with National Geographic as a modern day Ponce de Leon in 2004, he had no idea he would uncover the real Fountain of Youth.
Initially, the team went in search of places around the globe to find where residents were living the longest. Not surprisingly, what they found was longevity had nothing to do with fad diets, miracle creams or pills.
Buettner pinpointed five locations around the world where communities were not only living well into their hundreds, but that they also were living a healthier and happier quality of life. He realized all of these centenarians had incorporated the same common core foundations for everyday living Something Buettner now calls ‘The Power 9.” Nine key points so simple, they could easily be incorporated into anyone’s everyday life.
So, here is what he calls the “Power 9.”
Move naturally — hitting the gym six days a week isn’t necessary. Take the stairs, ride a bike to the store, start a garden. Find inventive ways to move naturally throughout the day.
Purpose — Purpose is defined as the reason why something exists. Centenarians claim that simply having a reason to get out of bed in the morning will add seven years to the average life expectancy. At first, finding the purpose of our lives can be a difficult question to answer. A little soul searching on what brings happiness will usually help with finding that answer.
Down Shift — Find ways to manage or even eliminate stress. Learn to say ‘no’ when asked to attend or host functions in an already overloaded workweek. Instead, pencil in a little ‘me’ time, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day.
The 80% rule — “Hara hachi bu” is an Okinawan reminder to stop eating when they are 80 percent full to prevent overconsumption.
Plant Slant — Most centenarians focus on a Mediterranean diet. They fill their plates with a diet based on grains, nuts, beans, fruits and veggies. Swap the butter and salt for olive oils and fresh herbs. Eat meat such as fish, only five times a month.
Wine @ 5 — Drink a glass of red wine each night, especially among friends when possible. But remember,. everything in moderation.
Belong — Joining a faith-based community, any denomination, and attending at least once a week could add up to 14 years to a life expectancy.
Loved ones first — This means living near family, taking care of grandparents, being involved in a committed relationship and spending time with children.
Right Tribe — Means surrounding yourself with like-minded, health-focused people.
The five communities identified in the Blue Zone study were: Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, Calif.; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Sardinia, Italy; and Ikaria, Greek Island.
Based on Buettner’s findings, AARP and United Health Foundation decided to put his theory to the test. They applied the guidelines of the Power 9 to residents in Alberta Lea, Minn.for one year. And they found healthcare claims dropped nearly 50 percent and participants added almost three years to their lifespan.
For information, check out WWW.BlueZones.Com.